LMB Event
MUP Central 2022
Sat. July 9 - 16, 2022
2023 Date Release on 11/25/2022
Camping Tour – REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON JULY 1 2022!!!
YOUR 2022 MUP Rider Guide is here CLICK HERE to access you copy.
This year our tour begins with two nights in Marquette followed by three nights in Munising. A mid-tour layover day in Munising gives you plenty of time to explore nearby Grand Island National Recreation Area and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which is unlike any other place in Michigan. We’ll pedal down through Hiawatha National Forest to Manistique and Lake Michigan before taking two days back to Marquette. Each day is fully paved and suitable for road bikes, but if you need a little dirt on your shirt, ask about the dirt road options.
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Our 2022 Jersey designs are here!
Add a jersey when you register or if you forgot you can visit our store to purchase one!
We support the full range of Primal sizing in our shop!
Did you know that our bike tours are for everyone? Yes everyone! Touring bikes, Road Bikes,Tricycles, E-Bikes, Handcycles, Recumbents, Gravel Bikes, and Mountain Bikes, bring them all! We didn’t list what you want to ride? Let us know and we will see what we can do to make it happen. If you are facing a disability or have a unique challenge in participating in one of our tours please reach out to [email protected] and we will contact you directly to discuss the needs and accommodations.
MUP Info
Learn more about MUP
Situated on the campus of Northern Michigan University and just a few blocks from Lake Superior, MUP Central kicks in Marquette on the grounds of the world’s largest wooden dome, aptly named the Superior Dome! We’ll journey along Lake Superior via rail trails and quiet lakeshore roads exploring lighthouses, waterfalls, and of course, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island National Recreation Area, and Munising by boat, kayak, and bicycle. After a layover, we conduct a shore to shore transect of Michigan by saddling up on the shores of Lake Superior and riding through Hiawatha National Forest to Lake Michigan, enjoy a wine tasting in Manistique, and then meander back to Marquette on Saturday. Wow, seven days, century rides, breweries, wineries, the two greatest Great Lakes, a National Lakeshore, a National Recreation Area, and a National Forest… now that’s what you call an LMB tour!
Still included with your registration:
Awesome, incredible, friendly, helpful Volunteers
Beautiful scenery
SAG Stops with hydration and light snacks
SAG wagons that patrol the route
Overnight camping
Showers*
Luggage transport for two bags
Electronic charging station in camp
Professional Bicycle Mechanic**
Free long term parking
Registration packet with an event t-shirt and other fun swag
Daily route info meetings with cue sheets, GPS turn by turn directions
*All but the last night showers will be available, hey this is the UP afterall we are “roughing it” a bit. We are working on resolving this.
**PLEASE NOTE: Minor adjustments are free. Any repairs, parts, assembly, disassembly, and shipping will incur a fee.
Some things are new:
Gravel road options
Outdoor dining option
Ice-cold beverages and individually wrapped salty snacks available in camp daily
Pictured Rocks Century options
Winery and Brewery Tour options COMING SOON!
Farewell Party COMING SOON!
Learn more about LMB
Take a minute to remember the first time you rode your bike. Grinning from ear to ear as you pedaled down the street or across the fields feeling the freedom, independence, and fun of being on your bike.
So let’s get on our bikes and recapture that feeling of simple freedom, independence, and fun!
Did you know LMB works to provide education and training to Drivers and Bicyclists through our driver’s education program, our law enforcement training, and our bicycle skills training? Did you know LMB is instrumental in giving bicyclists a voice in government through legislation, like the 3-foot passing law? Did you know LMB’s Micro-Grant Program helps fund local advocacy work and community bicycling programs especially among underserved populations?
Did you know LMB tours provide a majority of the funding to do this work? So enjoy an awesome tour while supporting LMB making Michigan bicycling better through your registration and purchases!
No matter what you ride, why you ride or where you ride, LMB works for all bicyclists to Make Michigan Bicycling Better. Educating new drivers, law enforcement, and children. Advocating to create and pass legislation concerning safe passing, distracted driving, and helping local bike shops last spring. Helping develop bicycling infrastructure across the state and supporting other bicycling events. Your MUP registration helps to fund LMB’s work. Thank You!
Click here for registration costs
Member Pricing
Adult Member: $625
Non-Rider Member: $420
Minor Member: $420
Regular Pricing
Adult: $665
Adult Non-Rider: $430
Minor Rider or Non: $430
Late Registration—Date coming soon
Adult: $995
Adult Non-Rider:$695
Minor Rider or Non: $695
Please note if you want to join as a member to get discounted pricing you will receive an email shortly after joining for access to the member only registration pages.
Need to rent a tent? Click below.
Learn about our Covid Safety Policy
LMB COVID Safety Policy
LMB has adopted the following COVID safety policy for risk mitigation on our 2022 tours. This policy is subject to change depending on pandemic conditions and health guidance. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is extremely contagious, no level of risk mitigation can guarantee that you will not be exposed. Participation in all LMB events is at your own risk.
All participants, staff, and volunteers must show proof that they are fully vaccinated and up to date.
Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.
Click above for more detail.
PLEASE NOTE: FINAL ROUTES, LOCATIONS, AND TIMES OF SERVICE MAY CHANGE.
RIDER GUIDES WILL BE READY SOON WITH MANY OF THE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THE TOUR
MUP ITINERARY
PLEASE NOTE: FINAL ROUTES, LOCATIONS AND TIMES OF SERVICE MAY CHANGE.
To start, click each day below to expand the section and see details. Use the MUP Itinerary as a source for route maps, guides to local attractions and an easy way to develop your sightseeing plans. Please note, routes and itineraries may change without notice due to road closures, construction or inclement weather.
Click each day to view details and routes.
Welcome to MUP! Join us at the Superior Dome on the campus of Northern Michigan University between 2 pm and 6:30 pm for packet pick-up. Right next to the check-in table will be our service desk where you can get punch cards, merchandise, maps, and sign up for one of the excursions. Once you’ve settled in, feel free to enjoy the town of Marquette where you’ll find several french style patisseries, Velodrome Coffee, and several breweries. For those needing to loosen up the legs, review the three route options above to see Presque Isle Park. A mandatory Rider Orientation runs from 6 – 7 PM. If you want a hearty dinner, check out the many restaurants downtown! You’ll spend the night on the grounds of the Superior Dome! We start the day with a hearty catered breakfast (6:30 am – 8:00 am daily). If you didn’t get to Presque Isle Park yesterday, add it to your out and back route today, it’s a MUPtastic loop. Today you can ride a little or clock in a metric century. The distance choices are infinite on this, fully supported, out and back route along scenic Big Bay Road. The route epitomizes the U.P. with miles of natural beauty along the Lake Superior shoreline and rolling wooded terrain. Just a little over 9 miles from the start is the Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area which consists of a 3,200 foot trail that leads to a summit view of Lake Superior, the picture is worth the climb but you may want to save it for on the way back! The gravel grinders will split off into their own world at mile 12 while those who opt for a short route can turn around at any point on the way to Big Bay. The sleepy village of Big Bay lies at the end of the road where you can stop at Thunder Bay Inn for a bite to eat. Just 4 miles later (the last 1.5 are dirt road), you’ll reach Big Bay Lighthouse before heading back to Marquette. We will provide dinner at camp, but also make sure to head-on into town and sample one of the many fine breweries and restaurants. Put on your favorite holiday jersey, it’s Christmas in July! We start the day with breakfast in camp. Afterward, both the paved and gravel routes head east along the shoreline of Lake Superior traveling along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. Then ride through the village of Lakenenland and the quirky Lakenenland Sculpture Park about 15 miles outside of Marquette, this is a must-see, featuring scrap-iron sculptures and interactive exhibits. There are many places today to stop and swim or grab a bite to eat along the way including a cool little spot called The Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden where you can get poutine and prime rib. Then make sure to stop at Santa’s Workshop in Christmas (yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus) and take your Christmas in July photo to post on your social media page. After a good chuckle, it’s just a few more miles to Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. LMB will spend 3 nights here, which means you don’t have to pack your gear until Thursday morning! Fuel up tonight at dinner (5 – 7 pm daily) because tomorrow is a big mileage day! Wear your favorite century jersey, its Century City Tuesday! Ride 20 to 100 miles with full SAG support along the entire length of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Along the scenic Au Sable Point Trail you’ll get a chance to explore some of the most iconic places in the central UP including Log Slide Overlook, Grand Sable Banks, Grand Sable Falls, and the Au Sable Lighthouse. If you choose to go the full distance to Grand Marais, you can stop in this little village to pick up your MUP Century patch before going to see the locally famous Pickle Barrel house, swim in Lake Superior, fuel and hydrate at the local establishments and then head back to home base in Munising. Once back in camp, you’ll be ready for our locally catered Pig Roast BBQ before heading out into town and sampling some of Munisings micro-breweries. Today in camp, we’ll only be serving coffee, so head out and enjoy the many food offerings in Munising! After testing your legs yesterday, today you can explore Munising by bike, boat, kayak, or even on foot! Bike out to Sand Point Beach or Miners Castle and Miners Falls (see routes above), grab a bite to eat at Taco Primo, tour the many hidden waterfalls in the area, hike (or gravel bike) around Grand Island, kayak the coastline, or visit shipwrecks through a glass-bottom boat. Of course, you can also just hang out in camp catching up on your bike maintenance and beauty sleep. Join us on a Boat tour of Pictured Rocks to explore the beautiful cliffs and waterfalls from the water! There is an option to buy tickets in the check out. It’s Throwback Thursday!! Put on your favorite vintage jersey for a shore to shore transect across the spine of the UP. Today starts with breakfast. After a relaxing day to recharge, MUP goes shore to shore crossing the state to Lake Michigan! Start with a quick touch of your rear tire into Lake Superior. Then quickly find yourself climbing the 5 miles out of the Lake Superior basin onto a 30 mile stretch of forest road. Here the trees come almost right up to the shoulder as we head south through the Hiawatha National Forest, founded in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Along the way is Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest spring. It is 200’ in diameter and delivers 10,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute. Just the ticket for the end of a woodland ride. Leaving the spring it’s just a few miles to Manistique and Lake Michigan. Take time to head down to the water and touch your front tire to the waters of Lake Michigan so you can tell everyone how you biked across Michigan in one day! Celebrate our transect of Michigan at dinner tonight with your riding mates. It’s Fashion Friday! Wear your most crazy, fun, goofy jersey or t-shirt! Today as usual, we start with breakfast in camp. It’s TGI Friday! While everyone else is looking forward to the weekend, we’ve been having fun all week. During the day, give your vote ticket to the person with the shirt or jersey you like the most. That night at dinner, we’ll tally up the votes, and award the winner a prize! Last year this was our southern route from Munising. This year we head north and west to Chatham and the last night of the tour. Chatham is a quiet town, perfect for our last night together where you’ll enjoy a special thank you for being a part of our MUP Tour. Kick back and relax with an outdoor movie provided by the Carey and Paul Group. It’s MUPday! Wear your old or new MUP jersey! We awake today a little sad and a little happy. Alas, all good things must come to an end. After 7 days of exploring and enjoying the Michigan Upper Peninsula, enjoy the final miles of riding in the UP. A few miles past Chatham is an old railway junction, Eben Junction, home of the Eben Ice Caves where the winter ice creates some amazing formations. Luckily today, we won’t have to worry about ice! Tailwinds, headwinds, and crosswinds won’t matter as the route takes you west and north into Marquette. It’s a short ride back to the bustle of the city and the Superior Dome, so take the time to enjoy the miles and reflect on your MUP friends new and old. When you arrive back at the Superior Dome, we’ll have hot showers and fond farewells waiting for you. All of us at LMB want to extend a heartfelt thank you for riding with us this week and letting us share with you the amazing beauty of Michigan while supporting our advocacy work to enhance bicycle infrastructure, safety, and commerce in THE Great Lakes State! Please note, registered participants will receive detailed itineraries and timelines each day during the Rider Meeting. You can ride any human-powered cycle in good mechanical condition on MUP. This includes trikes, recumbents, tandems, unicycles, and of course e-bikes. The standard route is designed to accommodate road bikes. Mountain, hybrid, cyclocross, and gravel bikes will have a blast on both the standard route and the optional gravel sections. LMB provides a professional mechanic for the entire tour. Minor adjustments are free. Any repairs, parts, assembly, disassembly, and shipping will incur a fee. Each SAG Stop and SAG wagon carry basic tools and a floor pump. They also carry spare tubes for sale. Our daily Super SAG Stop will have a generator available to provide charging for E-bikes. Our SAG service is designed to transport all the above-named cycles! To create a safe and scenic tour, MUP will at times travel along crushed limestone trails and unpaved country roads. This year the standard route includes almost 10 miles of such surfaces. To best traverse the standard route on a road bike or touring bike, consider fitting the widest possible tires. Any optional routes or loops labeled “Gravel” can have long sandy sections and are best attempted with a 37c or wider tire that has a tread or knobby surface. Bike transport is included as part of your charter bus transportation. Click here for details on how to prepare your bike for truck transport. We try to be as careful as possible, but we are not responsible for damage during transport by our trucks or SAG. Click here for details on shipping your bike to and from the tour. LMB thinks of SAG as the “Support Assistance Group.” SAG service includes mobile SAG wagons, stationary SAG stops, SAG shuttles, and Sweep. SAG vehicles are marked with LMB flags and magnetic LMB signs SAG stops are stationed along the primary route. During the Riders Meeting as we review the next day’s route, we’ll provide the approximate location of these SAG stops. They are spaced on an average about 15 miles apart, but this will vary depending on route conditions. SAG Stops are rest stops located on route and identified with LMB signage. They are stocked with water, electrolytes, light snacks, basic tools, floor pumps, and close to restrooms or porta-potties. Our daily Super SAG Stop will also have a generator to provide e-bike charging. SAG wagons will provide assistance to riders experiencing physical or mechanical issues along the primary route and gravel route. SAG wagons will transport riders and their bikes to a SAG stop or to seek medical treatment. Please be aware that SAG wagons do not go to camp, they stay on the route to provide the fastest possible service in emergency situations. SAG shuttles will periodically travel along the route picking up riders at SAG stops and transport them to camp. Each SAG Stop and SAG wagon carry basic tools and a floor pump. They also carry spare tubes for sale. Our SAG service is designed to transport all supported cycles! Please note, SAG support is not available off route or after hours. LMB provides a professional mechanic for the entire tour. Minor adjustments are free. Any repairs, parts, assembly, disassembly, and shipping will incur a fee. The mechanic will be posted on the route each day and also in camp each afternoon. If your bike requires repair beyond the capacity of our mechanic, you will be referred to the nearest bike shop. Private SAG’s are allowed. A private SAG is a person or group of people who are on the tour to provide support to their rider. We simply ask for vehicle and rider information, and for drivers to use alternate routes that intersect with the tour route to help keep riders safe. If a private SAG wants to use overnight facilities, meals, and tour resources then we ask that they register as Private SAG/Non-Riders. Registration includes meals EVERY RIDING DAY! You’ll enjoy professionally catered breakfasts and dinners with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free lifestyles. Breakfast is 6:30 – 8:00 am, dinner is 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Meals vary and you’ll always find a few staples offered each day. For breakfast you’ll always be able to find oatmeal, yogurt, granola, fresh fruit and cereal in addition to various hot dishes. During dinner you’ll always be able to find fresh salads, fruit, bread, peanut and almond butter, along with hot entrees, side dishes and dessert. All meals are served in camp except where noted in the itinerary. You’re on your own for lunch every day. A hungry biker is an unhappy biker. So, keep an eye out in camp for the pop-up food truck or vendor. You never know who will drop in during the afternoon selling carnival food, pizza slices, hotdogs, and other treats! Each day you can find sweet and salty snacks along with ice-cold beverages at the service desk between 2 pm and 9 pm. How serious is the weight limit for bags? Serious. Each rider may bring two bags (duffle bags are ideal). Each bag cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. This weight limit includes your tent and sleeping bag. Bags over the limit will be charged $35 per bag. We ask you to honor the limit and help protect the health of both you and our volunteers. Remember, you’ll have to haul these bags to the camping area and back! Can I bring an extra bag? Yes! If you need more luggage space then please purchase the additional bag option for $35. Any bag over the 35-pound weight limit will be charged the extra bag fee. The 2022 Jersey design is complete. Make sure to add a MUP Jersey to your cycling gear line up. You can add one during registration and they will be available in our online store for preorder after 03/09/22. You can still order past Jerseys along with our other LMB Gear (note sizes limited on some styles): LEARN ABOUT OUR CANCELLATION POLICY Well, after the last few years, we here at League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) are looking forward to our MUP tour. Please note if you are a 2020/2021 Deferred Rider check your email and mailbox for your instructions on how to register. If you are a LMB Member you can access the registration from the member portal button below and then choose the tour you want from the drop down menu once you are logged in. 1401 Presque Isle AveSaturday - Marquette Check-In
Sunday - Marquette to Big Bay (Zero to 65 miles)
Monday - Christmas in July! Marquette to Munising (44 miles)
Tue - Century City - Munising to Grand Marais (Zero to 100 miles)
Wed - Layover Day in Munising
Thur - MUP Transect - Munising to Manistique (64 miles)
MUP is primarily a paved road bicycle tour. However, cyclists may have a crushed limestone trail or short gravel road to add to their story!
TGIF - Manistique to Chatham (61 miles)
Sat - MUPday -Chatham to Marquette (38 miles)
Bicycles on MUP
CLICK HERE FOR BICYCLE INFO
SAG on MUP
CLICK HERE FOR SAG INFO
Meals on MUP
CLICK HERE FOR MEALS INFO
Luggage on MUP
CLICK HERE FOR LUGGAGE INFO
MUP Merch
CLICK HERE FOR MERCH INFO
Ride Safe, Ride Smart
Location
Marquette, MI 49885
